Fly Sun n Fun 2025

Our trip to SUN ‘n FUN 2025 was more than just a family vacation—it was a chance to promote family involvement in a one-of-a-kind airshow experience. By engaging with the aviation community together, I was able to share the same excitement and inspiration I felt as a kid—experiences that first sparked my passion for an aviation career.

It’s important to me to show that aviation goes beyond just regulatory compliance. It’s a community full of passionate, well-rounded individuals who share strong values—and, let’s be honest, airplanes are just cool!

Bringing my family into this world allowed us to bond over that shared wonder and helped them see firsthand what makes aviation so special.

Not Your Typical Hobbies 

From Blueprints to Open Water – The Story of F/V Ambition

With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and boating, I set out to achieve a lifelong dream that, financially, seemed out of reach. I didn’t have the means to purchase my ideal offshore vessel—but I did have the engineering knowledge, mechanical skill, and determination to build it myself. Drawing on my background in engineering design, work scope planning, composite fabrication, and hands-on mechanical aptitude, I brought my vision to life.

In just three months, I built my dream boat from the ground up using a legendary 1967 Supernova hull as the foundation. The result: F/V Ambition—a fully customized offshore vessel designed to meet the unique demands of deep-sea fishing and boating in South Florida.

This project wasn't just about building a boat—it was about proving that hard work, technical skill, and relentless ambition can turn bold dreams into reality. The Ambition is more than just a vessel; it represents the same drive that fuels my career in aviation—resourceful, hands-on problem solving, and the refusal to let limitations stand in the way of progress.

Proud Member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

As a passionate aviation enthusiast and proud AMA member, I’ve found a way to give back to the hobby that first sparked my love for flight—model aviation. Inspired by the memories of building balsa wood models as a young boy with my brother, I wanted to create similar experiences for my own family, and to offer a side of the hobby my parents weren’t financially able to support during my childhood.

Joining the Academy of Model Aeronautics has opened the door to a deeply rewarding family activity. Together, we travel to unique flying clubs, engage with like-minded aviation hobbyists, and actively support a hobby that’s sadly fading from the modern world. Through this involvement, I’ve come to truly value what model aviation offers: craftsmanship, discipline, respect, and an eye for quality—core values that are too often overlooked in today’s fast-paced culture.

Beyond just flying model aircraft, this hobby provides a strong foundation for future generations to develop an appreciation for aviation. It also serves as a meaningful platform for family bonding, hands-on education, and potential career inspiration, particularly as I encourage involvement in the aviation industry from a young age.

What's Under the Hood: Building a Strong Moral Compass in the Garage

Knowing how much mechanical aptitude has contributed to my own success, I found it important to apply those same principles to a new hobby we could enjoy as a family. By bringing my knowledge of diesel performance into the mix, I was once again able to bring my vision to life—thanks to the key ingredients of determination and hard work.

Our latest truck build is far from ordinary, and the whole family gets involved. Through this hands-on project, I'm not just building a vehicle—I'm helping to build character. It's a way for me to teach the values of teamwork, practice my leadership skills, and share practical knowledge with those I care about most.

Together, we're learning the basics of mechanics, and moving into more advanced trade skills like fabrication and precision-tolerance engine modifications. This isn't just about tools and torque—it’s about instilling core values, fostering a team environment, and showing that mechanics can be incredibly rewarding.

If you can dream it—and stay focused on your goals—you can make it come true.

We Make Time to Have fun!

What we consider a vacation isn’t your average lazy-day cruise or beach resort getaway. When it’s time to enjoy the rewards of our hard work, you can usually find us on the water—fishing, boating, and soaking in the result of everything we've built together.

Not all our hobbies are work! While we spend much of our time involved in hands-on DIY projects, once a year, we take part in a cherished family tradition: taking our home-built boat to the Bahamas. This unique excursion is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning and using the equipment we’ve built with our own skills can lead to unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

On those warm, sunny days, we enjoy a mix of relaxation and adrenaline—from exploring the ocean to saltwater fishing—all while creating meaningful family memories. For us, it’s the true reward of all the hard work we put in throughout the year.

And don’t worry—we practice catch and release! We proudly support local environmental conservation efforts, partnering with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) and research programs to help protect the beautiful environment that gives so much back to us.